Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Practice Exam

Measuring the distances between R-R intervals is a key method for assessing the regularity of an ECG. The R-R interval represents the time between successive R waves in the QRS complex, which corresponds to one cardiac cycle. By examining the consistency of these intervals, healthcare professionals can determine if the heart rhythm is regular or irregular. A regular rhythm will show consistent R-R intervals, while an irregular rhythm will exhibit significant variations in these measurements.

While counting QRS complexes can provide information about the heart rate, it does not directly assess the regularity of the rhythm. Evaluating P wave morphology is important for assessing atrial activity and identifying potential issues with atrial depolarization, but it does not provide direct insights into the rhythm's regularity. Checking blood pressure, while vital for assessing overall cardiac function, does not provide information regarding the electrical activity of the heart as represented on the ECG.